Performing a three-step process for conversion of chitosan to its oligomers using a unique bipolar membrane electrodialysis system.
Chitosan, a linear polysaccharide composed of beta-1,4 linked d-glucosamine residues, can be depolymerized into oligomers by enzymatic reaction with chitosanase. Recently, bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) has been used for chitosan solubilization and for terminating the enzymatic reaction by action of electrogenerated acid and base, respectively. The aim of the present study was to test a complete "3-in-1" process using a three-compartment BMED configuration to perform simultaneously the solubilization of chitosan, the inactivation of chitosanase, and the demineralization of the oligomers. In addition, the BMED process was compared to a conventional process using chemical acid and base. The BMED method was found to be as effective as the conventional method for solubilizing the chitosan and for inactivating the chitosanase. Furthermore, the use of BMED allowed a demineralization rate of 53% of the chito-oligomer solution in the diluate compartment. A global process of chitosan hydrolysis into its oligomers using a BMED system was proposed. This technology has great potential for industrial application in chitosan oligomer preparation, because it is convenient and ecological and it produces chito-oligomers with a lower mineral content compared with the conventional method.
Lin Teng Shee
Fabrice
F
Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Laval University, Québec, Canada G1K 7P4.
Arul
Joseph
J
Brunet
Serge
S
Bazinet
Laurent
L
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D003956:Dialysis / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006026:Glycoside Hydrolases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D006868:Hydrolysis; D008566:Membranes; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D013302:Streptomyces / Q000201:enzymology
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D048271:Chitosan; D006026:Glycoside Hydrolases; C019868:chitosanase